Jets coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum delivered some curious answers regarding Brian Schottenheimer yesterday, and while it appears as if Schottenheimer will not be fired, it doesn’t sound as if he is assured of being the offensive coordinator next season.

Tannenbaum said the Jets “expect” Schottenheimer to return. That is different than saying that he absolutely will. It leaves some wiggle room. When Ryan was asked if Schottenheimer would be the offensive coordinator if he came back, the coach initially seemed hesitant to answer. He then said: “That’s what I’m saying. He would have the coordinator — that’s what his job title is, guys. He’s under contract to be the offensive coordinator. That’s what I’m saying.”

Ryan then added: “To say that you’re considering making a change, that’s not helpful for Brian. He’s under contract as the offensive coordinator. It’s certainly going to help his chances of being a head coach.”

With that choice of words, Ryan sounded as if he did not want to say the Jets were considering demoting Schottenheimer simply because it could harm his head coaching prospects.

Schottenheimer, the trendy pick for the Jets’ person who will suffer most for this season’s collective failure, is interviewing for the Jaguars’ head coaching job. So it’s possible he will leave because he gets the position there or elsewhere. Ryan did praise Schottenheimer’s candidacy, saying: “He’s got everything it takes to be a successful head coach in this league.”

Tannenbaum, too, complimented Schottenheimer, saying: “I really respect the job he’s done, in terms of working with three different quarterbacks, two championship games and he’s done a really credible job for us.”

This season, the Jets averaged 23.6 points per game, tied for 12th in the NFL. The offense, however, ranked 25th in total yards, and quarterback Mark Sanchez, in his third season, had an erratic campaign.